April 1605

The Countess of Derby to Viscount Cranborne.

1605, April 1.

She refers to the financial agreement between
her and the Earl of Derby, and to the fact that the Lordship of
Hawarden is hers by the concurrence and assignment of the Earl.
Nevertheless, he has presented the parsonage of Hawarden to
one Rankyns, and nominated Mr Davenant to the living upon
the death of the late incumbent. Petitioner wishes to preserve
the most amicable relations with the Earl, but is desirous of
exercising her undoubted right of chosing the incumbent. She
asks Cranborne to draw the Earl's attention to this, and to remind
him of other privileges which she has allowed him to exercise by
the same agreement.—York House, this first of April, 1605.Seal. Endorsed: "1 Ap. 1605. Countesse of Derby to my
lord." 1 p. (P. 1964.)

Paul Bayn to Viscount Cranborne.

[? After April 10, 1605].

He writes to him again to request
his favour in the matter which he has already brought to his
notice.—Undated.
¼ p. (P. 28.)
[See Cal. S.P. Dom., 1603–10, p. 211, and H.M.C. Salisbury
MSS, Vol. XVII, p. 287.]

Paul Bayn to [Viscount Cranborne].

[? After April 10, 1605].

"My appearance is the poore leapers
return who when he was clensed came to give thanks." He
expresses his gratitude for the favour shown to him and make
one further request, "that wheras I have lived hithertoe unsuspected of turbulencie, it would please your Lordship graunt your
letters to our Chancellor that my questioning here may not
prejudice me there".—Undated.
½ p. (P. 1265.) See P. 28 supra. p. 205.

They are the executors of the last will and
testament of the late William Sandes, and have been entrusted
with the care and education of the deceased's eldest son Emanuel,
"a very weeke and sickly infant of the age of eleaven yeares",
and the other children. At an inquisition held after the death
of their father, one Robert Westcourt claimed on oath, without
any evidence to support him, that 65 years ago five acres of the
deceased man's land were parcel of the manor of Southpetherton
and held of the King in capite. On the sole basis of this testimony Emanuel was declared to be a King's ward. Petitioners,
knowing Westcourt's allegations to be false, have entered a formal
denial in the Court of Wards where they intend to prosecute the
matter. In respect of the physical debility of Emanuel and the
dependence of his sister on a part of his estate (a farm held of
the Earl of Hertford) for her portion, and the fact that he is
now being taken care of by his grandmother, petitioners ask that
nothing be done to change the present arrangements as regards
ward and property until the case has been heard and determined.
If they lose it, they will surrender Emanuel and his lands, and pay
such legal costs as may be awarded against them.—Undated.
¾ p. (P. 1528.)
[See PRO. Wards7, 37/81.]

Timothy Smyth to Viscount Cranborne.

1605, April 29.

Three years ago, the Court of Wards awarded
him possession of the person and property of Thomas Crump,
which had been detained by Edward Marsh and his wife, Margaret.
Upon a further petition to Cranborne, the Attorney of the Court
of Wards called both parties before him and made an award
between them. Upon certain complaints that neither had respected the award, Cranborne had directed Sir Thomas Bigge
and others to determine the issue, but they too had failed.
Petitioner has again been summoned to perform the award, but
circumstances make it difficult for him to comply. He requests
that he be permitted to enjoy the lands granted to him in the
first place by Cranborne.—April 29, 1605.Note by Cranborne: "Let Mr Surveior and Mr Atturney heare
this petitioner and certify me if they can not end it."On reverse: a detailed account of the proceedings between the
parties and the termination of the dispute by mediation. Signed
by: Cuthbert Pepper.
2 pp. (P. 24.)